Beyond the Triangle in Bermuda

Think Bermuda is only famous for one thing.it is. But here's what to do if you make it through the mythical vortex

IN THIS AGE of hyper connectivity, there appears to be an unwritten challenge for travellers on social media: who can get to the most obscure destination first and post pictures of it? Whilst Bermuda isn't exactly the lost city of Shambhala, it is a very small isolated island in the middle of the North Atlantic, over 1000km from its closest neighbour. In short you have to really want to go there to see it.
Fabled for lending its name to the Triangle, which much like the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland largely exists to draw in a few tourists, the British Overseas Territory offers pristine beaches, turquoise crystal clear waters and sun most of the year round. Just don't call it part of the Caribbean!
WHAT TO DO
. Once you've landed, it's going to take a day or two to get acclimatised, so why not relax and enjoy the natural resources for which Bermuda is famous? Horseshoe Bay - the eighth best beach in the world according to TripAdvisor -and Elbow Beach - a kite surfer's paradise - are about 10 minutes away from the capital Hamilton (as with everything on the island) and five minutes away from each other when driving/ riding. These are just two examples of the numerous sandy seaside treats, but they are good ones.
. The fantasy movie-sounding Crystal and Fantasy Caves near Castle Harbour are some of the best examples of subterranean caverns in the world and are open to the public every day. A guided tour of both stalactite and stalagmite filled wonders takes around an hour. Ask for tour guide Niko and he'll also provide you with any other information you require about the island.

. Take in a dose of maritime history at the Royal Naval Dockyard right at the far western point of the island. Built in 1795, this area containing many original structures, tells the history of the continued active British naval presence until the 1950s. Now it is home to many artisanal shops and old timey restaurants. A decent time can be spent at the Bermuda Maritime Museum, which also explores the role of privateers and pirates in the island's history.
. World Heritage Site St. George's was the first British settlement on Bermuda. Established in 1612 as a fishing village, it was the home of the island's State House and Parliament building until their relocation to Hamilton in 1815. Spend a day exploring the winding streets and 400-year old architecture.
. Perhaps one of the most exciting things to do in Bermuda is to plunge into those glass-like waters and go diving or snorkelling. Surrounded by coral reefs and wrecks, the sea is home to a variety of wildlife, which you can view through near perfect visibility. Plus those reefs provide protection from any big beasties you may be afraid of.
WHERE TO EAT
Much like Dubai, most food is imported in Bermuda, so local cuisine is a bit thin on the ground. Ginger beer, avocados and rockfish are the only items you'll regularly find on menus. The rockfish sandwich - a sort of portion of fish and chips in a sweet bun - is ubiquitous. Like here, many restaurants purvey dishes from a variety of cultures, which makes eating out a bit of a tour in itself.
. Devil's Isle Café, Hamilton: Newly opened and instantly popular, Devil's Isle is great for any casual meal, but especially breakfast. Their eggs Benedict are particularly delicious.
. Crown & Anchor, Hamilton Princess Hotel: Again, not an haute cuisine establishment, but solid. This upmarket eatery does a great blackened fish on cabbage salad with a curry remoulade.
. Frog & Onion, Royal Naval Dockyard: It's an English pub with its own homemade beverages and you get to keep the glasses as souvenirs.
. Tribe Road Kitchen, Hamilton: This southern soul food palace serves immense flavour and helpings. Go for the Dixie fried chicken on waffles, topped with syrup and watermelon. Seriously, it is amazing.

HOW TO GET AROUND
Tourists are not permitted to rent cars on the island, so the only motorised transportation you can get your hands on are 50cc scooters. You don't need a licence, a quick two-minute test at the rental company will suffice - just to prove you can balance. Failing that taxis are available, but not abundant. Bicycles are a good way to go, or, given the island's size and the fact you can drive from one end of Bermuda to the other in 40 mins going about 40km/h, why not take the leisurely option and walk to enjoy more of the scenery?
HOW TO GET THERE
The most direct route from the UAE is operated by British Airways. Head to London Heathrow on any one of their three daily flights from Dubai or the daily flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow. You'll have to make the 30 min journey to London Gatwick, but once you're there it's straight through on a five and a half hour flight to Bermuda (operating five days a week - not Monday or Saturday).
WHERE TO STAY
Economy - Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Hamilton (www.grottobay.com)
Mid-Range - St. George's Club, St. George's (www.stgeorgesclub.com)
Top-end - Fairmont Southampton, Southampton Parish (www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda)
Flights: www.britishairways.com
Scooter rental: www.oleandercycles.bm
Crystal Caves: www.caves.bm
david@khaleejtimes.com